Chorus
Oh, ah, go away, alas! Never, oh never, did I dream that words so strange would greet my ears; or that sufferings so grievous to look upon, yes, and so grievous to endure, a tale of outrage, would strike my soul as if with double-pronged goad. Alas, O Fate, O Fate, I shudder to behold the plight that has befallen Io.
Prometheus You lament and are full of fear all too soon. Wait until you have learned the rest as well.
Chorus Proceed, tell all. It is comforting for the sick to know clearly beforehand what pain still awaits them.
Prometheus You gained your former request easily from me; for you first desired the story of her ordeal from her own lips. Hear now the sequel, the sufferings this maid is fated to endure at Hera’s hand. And may you, daughter of Inachus, lay to heart my words so that you may learn the end of your wanderings. First, from this spot, turn yourself toward the rising sun and make your way over untilled plains; and you shall reach the Scythian nomads, who dwell in thatched houses, perched aloft on strong-wheeled wagons and are equipped with far-darting bows. Do not approach them, but keeping your feet near the rugged shore, where the sea breaks with a roar, pass on beyond their land. On the left hand dwell the workers in iron, the Chalybes, and you must beware of them, since they are savage and are not to be approached by strangers. Then you shall reach the river Hybristes, which does not belie its name. Do not cross this, for it is hard to cross, until you come to Caucasus itself, loftiest of mountains, where from its very brows the river pours out its might in fury. You must pass over its crests, which neighbor the stars, and enter upon a southward course, where you shall reach the host of the Amazons, who loathe all men. They shall in time to come inhabit Themiscyra on the Thermodon, where, fronting the sea, is Salmydessus’ rugged jaw, evil host of mariners, step-mother of ships. The Amazons will gladly guide you on your way. Next, just at the narrow portals of the harbor, you shall reach the Cimmerian isthmus. This you must leave with stout heart and pass through the channel of Maeotis; and ever after among mankind there shall be great mention of your passing, and it shall be called after you the Bosporus. Then, leaving the soil of Europe, you shall come to the Asian continent. Does it not seem to you that the tyrant of the gods is violent in all his ways? For this god, desirous of union with this mortal maid, has imposed upon her these wanderings. Maiden, you have gained a cruel suitor for your hand. As to the tale you now have heard— understand that it has not even passed the introduction.
Io Ah me, ah me, alas!
Prometheus What! You are crying and groaning again? What will you do, I wonder, when you have learned the sufferings still in store for you?
Chorus What! Can it be that you have sufferings still left to recount to her?
Prometheus Yes, a tempestuous sea of calamitous distress.
Io What gain have I then in life? Why did I not hurl myself straightaway from this rugged rock, so that I was dashed to earth and freed from all my sufferings? It is better to die once and for all than linger out all my days in misery.
Prometheus Ah, you would hardly bear my agonies to whom it is not foredoomed to die; for death would have freed me from my sufferings. But now no limit to my tribulations has been appointed until Zeus is hurled from his sovereignty.
Io What! Shall Zeus one day be hurled from his dominion?
Prometheus You would rejoice, I think, to see that happen.
Io Why not, since it is at the hand of Zeus that I suffer?
Prometheus Then you may assure yourself that these things are true.
Io By whom shall he be despoiled of the sceptre of his sovereignty?
Prometheus By himself and his own empty-headed purposes.
Io In what way? Oh tell me, if there be no harm in telling.
Prometheus He shall make a marriage that shall one day cause him distress.
Io With a divinity or with a mortal? If it may be told, speak out.
Prometheus Why ask with whom? I may not speak of this.
Io Is it by his consort that he shall be dethroned?
Prometheus Yes, since she shall bear a son mightier than his father.
Io And has he no means to avert this doom?
Prometheus No, none—except me, if I were released from bondage.
Io Who then is to release you against the will of Zeus?
Prometheus It is to be one of your own grandchildren.
Io What did you say? A child of mine will release you from your misery?
Prometheus The third in descent after ten generations.
Io Your prophecy is not easy to understand.
Prometheus Yes, so do not seek to learn the full extent of your own sufferings.
Io Do not offer me a favor and then withdraw it.
Prometheus I will present you with one or other of two tales.
Io Which two? Set them forth and offer me the choice.
Prometheus I am making the offer: choose whether I shall reveal the sufferings still in store for you or the one who will be my deliverer.
Chorus Consent to bestow on her one of these favors, and on me the other; do not deny me the tale. Tell her about her further wanderings; tell me who will deliver you—for I would like to know this.
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